George Manterfield
Accountancy apprentice
I always knew that I preferred learning by doing, rather than from textbooks – so an apprenticeship really stood out as the right option for me.
Sanctuary’s apprenticeship programme appealed because of the size and diverse profile of the organisation. With departments in all areas of accounting and finance, it was clear that there would be lots of opportunities.
I enjoy the balance of work and study that you get with an apprenticeship - focusing on the applying your technical knowledge in your day-to-day role, not just learning to pass exams.
Rotating around different departments really helps you find what you really enjoy doing. During my apprenticeship to date I’ve worked with several different teams, each one shaping a different part of my skillset.
I began in Tax, working on our VAT return and supporting colleagues with direct tax queries — a role that built my technical accuracy and understanding of complex legislation.
From there I moved into Financial Planning, where I worked across the business on strategic projects, and then into Commercial Finance, producing accurate accounts for our Care division and applying the principles from my studies to real world reporting.
I’ve also worked in our Development Investment team, creating cashflow appraisals for fire remediation works and supporting new build development sites.
Each of these roles has seen me constantly learning, adapting, and building confidence. The experiences have pushed me to grow, strengthened my understanding of how the organisation works, and prepared me for the next stage of my career.
One of the biggest highlights of my apprenticeship has been being nominated for the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards.
I never expected to reach the finals, let alone achieve Highly Commended in the Regional awards. It was an incredible experience and I’m extremely grateful to Sanctuary’s apprenticeships team for their encouragement and support.
Another highlight has been becoming a member of the West Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network. Promoting the value of apprenticeships to others is something that means a lot to me, and it’s great to be able to showcase the value they offer to people of all ages.
Choosing an apprenticeship was the best decision I ever made. I would encourage anyone considering the apprenticeship route to go for it and not look back.
I have had incredible support from the teams at Sanctuary and my training provider, and I know my apprenticeship is giving me the best building blocks possible for a prosperous career.